Steven Benjamin

**Our story began in the summer of 1977.** I was just 15 when I first saw her-a shy, beautiful girl who instantly captured my heart. Who would have thought that two kids could build a love so deep it would last a lifetime? Over the years, we grew together, learned from our mistakes, and always ended each night with a kiss, knowing that as long as we had each others arms to fall into, the world would be right.

After 40 years of marriage, three children, and two beautiful grandchildren, how do you heal the hole left in your soul when the better part of you is ripped away? Fran wasn't just special-she was my life, my joy, my constant. She made the mundane extraordinary. That was my Fran.

When a life as beautiful as hers ends so unfairly, we can't let it fade into nothing. Pancreatic cancer took her from us, but I refuse to let it erase her love, her laughter, or the impact she had on everyone who knew her.

Cancer didn't just take Fran-it stole our moments: her laughter, her touch, the future we had imagined. But even in this unbearable pain, we must turn our grief into something powerful. The Lustgarten Foundation is fighting tirelessly for early detection and treatment. Every day, they get a little closer.

My family and I are deeply grateful for the donations made in Fran's memory, but I ask for a bit more. Walk with us this Sunday, October 5 at 8:30 AM, field 5 at Jones Beach. Let's stand together, hand in hand, remembering how precious every step, every friendship, and every moment is. Fran will walk with us, just as she always has.

Please share this with your loved ones. **We must end this insidious cancer-because for Fran, and so many like her, it's already far too late.**

https://hope.lustgarten.org/fundraisers/FOREVERFRAN